Molding



Oct. 6, 1942. w. J. HALL ETAL MOLDING Filed Sept. 11, 1940 m .4 w m Patented Oct. 6, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MOLDING William J. Hall and Orley J. Crowe, Detroit, Mich.

Application September 11, 1940, Serial No. 356,304

12 Claims.

The invention relates generally to molding for ornamental purposes and it has particular relation to improvements in the attaching of molding to articles upon which it is to be applied.

The use of molding of so-called snap-on character is generally known and ordinarily such molding includes a base or attachment member secured to the article upon which the molding is to be applied and a cover or finish strip adapted to be subsequently attached in a snap-on manner to the base member. At the present time a cover or finish strip employed is made from thin, stainless steel, while the base or attachment member is constructed from heavier gauge, ordinary steel. In applying the cover or finish strip, the edges of the cover first spread and then subsequently snap into retaining engagement with portions of the base member and in some instances the spreading of the cover undesirably has caused it to obtain a more or less permanent set. In this connection, it will be appreciated that where the base member is rigid, maximum spreading of the cover is required in its application. Again application of the cover to a rigid base member in a snap-on manner is difficult, since the cover has a fairly strong resistance to spreading due to the character of the stainless steel metal. In view of the foregoing, the recited objects of the invention will initially be appreciated.

One object of the vide a molding of snap-on character of the general order mentioned wherein the base orattachment member strongly and rigidly prevents removal of the cover while still providing a resiliency for facilitating snap-on application of the cover and reducing the amount of spreading of the cover so as to avoid the possibility of permanent set or deformation in the cover.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved molding having a positive lock for preventing removal of the cover strip once it is snapped into proper position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved molding such as mentioned, which can be manufactured inexpensively and efficiently from ordinary steel in so far as the base member is concerned and from stainless steel in so far as the cover is concerned.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following specification, from the drawing to which it relates, and from the claims hereinafter set forth.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the drawing, wherein:

present invention is to prothe cover and the location of the Figure 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a base or attachment member constructed according to one form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the base or attachment member shown by Fig. 1, with a cover strip attached thereto;

Fig. 3 is a view on the order of Fig. 2:, but illustrating another form of the invention;

Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are additional views on the order of Figs. 2 and 3, illustrating still other forms of the invention; and,

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view on the order of Fig. 2, illustrating another construction embodying certain features of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, an article or supporting surface upon which the molding is applied is indicated at I 0, and as an example, the surface may be the interior or exterior surface of an automobile. The molding illustrated includes a base member indicated generally at II, and this base member comprises two nested strips or laminations l2 and I3 constructed from cold rolled steel, as an example, having a low carbon content. It should be understood that this type of steel is malleable in order to facilitate formation of the strips, while still possessing the characteristic of low cost. The two strips I2 and I3 are relatively thin, as compared to base members ordinarily employed in connection with snap-on molding, but the joint thickness of the two may be comparable to the thickness of a single base member heretofore employed. Such strips have base portions of flat character and at their edges, are provided with flanges indicated generally at l5 and I6. These flanges are of laminated character also, and are formed to provide lead in or guide surfaces 18 and I 9, converging outwardly and cover strip retaining surfaces 20 and 2|, which converge inwardly.

The cover strip, indicated at 23 in Fig. 2, may, be formed from stainless steel and has intumed edges 24 and 25, shown as contacting the surfaces 20 and 2| on the base member. The surfaces 20 and 2| are of such character that coupled with the natural tendency of the edges 24 and 25 to return towards each other owing to the fact that they have been spread in the application of the cover, they cause the edge portions to be drawn toward the supporting surface I 0 and into contact therewith. In other words, the inclined character of the surfaces 20 and 2|, coupled with the tension in the cover strip, tends to cause the edges to move towards the surface l0 along such inclined surfaces. The width of edges 24 and stock disposed in leaf spring relation,

25 are such that when the cover is pressed towards the surface Hi, the edges ride over the surfaces l8 and I9 and laterally spread in this operation until they reach the surfaces and 2| when the tension causes the edges to snap into engagement under the surfaces 20 and 2| until they engage the support II). From this, it will be seen that the surfaces l8 and I9 facilitate application of the cover 23 while the surfaces 20 and 2| retain the cover in position and draw it against the support I0.

Now by using two relatively thin strips l2 and Hi in the base member H and therefore by having edge flanges which are formed from thin it will be seen that greater resiliency is present in the flanges while still obtaining the desired rigidity in the base portion of the member. As the cover 23 is applied over the laminated flanges, each flange is resiliently flexible and is free to slide on the other similarly to the manner in which the leaves of a leaf spring function, and due to the presence of greater flexibility and resiliency, in turn, snap-on application of the cover is facilitated. While this is true in the application of the cover, the laminated base member still will hold the cover as strongly in position as a single member of the thickness of both laminations l2 and I3, since the edges of the cover contact the flanges practically at the junction thereof with the flat portion of the base member.

It has been stated that each strip I2 and i3 of ordinary steel is relatively thin in comparison to the base members previously used and while the thicknesses may vary considerably, it may be mentioned as an example that the thickness of each of the strips I2 and I3 may be .010 of an inch. The thickness of the stainless steel may likewise vary, but as an instance of its dimensions, its thickness may be .015 of an inch.

The construction shown in Fig. 3 diflers from that previously described in that only one base strip 26 is employed which is somewhat heavier in gauge or thickness and as an instance, such thickness may be .015 of an inch. It will be noted that the flanges are reversely bent or folded, as indicated at 21 and that the free edge of the flanges, indicated at 28, are turned slightly over the inclined surfaces 20 and 2| so as to provide fixed abutments for preventing removal of the cover. In this case, the inclined surfaces l8 and |9 are on the folded part 21 and in applying the cover 23, the edges 24 and 25 ride over the folded part and past the edges 28 and snap into contact with the surfaces 20 and 2| and the surface In. Attention is directed also to the fact that a rounded edge, indicated at 30 at the line of reverse bending of the flanges, provides a means for facilitating application of the cover since the edges 24 and 25 will not be so apt to temporarily catch on such edges. It will be understood that the cover before application may have its edges 24 and 25 much closer together than as seen in the applied position so that in the application of the cover, one or both edges may usually contact the edges 30. Therefore, the rounded edges will at least minimize interference in the application of the cover.

The construction shown by Figure 4 is in some respects similar to the construction shown in Figure 3. The difference resides mainly in that the flanges are reversely folded portions and 36 in addition to the first flange portion. In addition to rounded edges 30 protwice to provide it will be observed that the locking abutment in this case, as indicated at 31, is rounded also, and

vided for facilitating application of the cover,

, against the surface ill.

this is due to the fact that the metal is reversely folded at that point.

In the structure shown by Figure 5, the reversely folded portions project outwardly and slightly away from the inclined surfaces 20 and 2|, as indicated at 40, and the edges 24 and 25 of the cover are disposed to depend more directly on the abutments for retaining the cover in position. The inclined surfaces 20 and 2| probably will hold the cover in position but the edges 24 and 25 are shown substantially in contact with the abutments so that the cover is locked in position immediately in contact with the surface I.

The structure shown by Fig. 6 is on the order of that shown by Fig. 2 excepting that the inner flange lamination is reversely folded to embrace the outer flange lamination, as indicated at 45, whereby the'rounded edges 30 and locking abutments 28 are still obtained. Thus, relatively thin laminated members are provided for securing resilience and flexibility in the flanges while still obtaining facility of application owing to the rounded edges 30 and positive locking owing to the abutments 28. It will be noted that the intermediate flange portion is shorter as indicated at 46, to promote flexibility.

The structure shown by Fig. '7 is similar to that shown by Fig. 6, excepting that in this case the outer flange lamination is reversely bent upon itself, as indicated at 48, while the inner flange is shorter. Generally, this structure has features similar to that shown by Fig. 6 and will function similarly.

In th structure shown by'Fig. 8, a base member 50 is provided which is formed from extruded or hot rolled stock. This member has inclined surfaces 5| and 52, comparable to the surfaces I8 and I9, for guiding or leading the edges of the cover 23 into position and likewise has surfaces 54 and 55, comparable to the surfaces 20 and 2|, for retaining the edges of the cover in position Projections 56 and 51 provide positive locks for preventing removal of the cover 23 and are located similarly to the abutments 28.

In all of the constructions shown, the base members may be fastened to the support ID in any suitable way such as by fastening nails, or the like, driven therethrough. Such base members may be commensurate in length to the cover, or shorter and spaced base members may be employed so that a single cover would be snapped over several base members located in longitudinally spaced relation. All of the structures may be fabricated inexpensively by forming or rolling machinery suitable for the purpose as will be readily understood by those versed in the art and the base members may be cut to the length desired initially or the strips may be fabricated in a continuous operation and then subsequently cut to the desired lengths.

Although more than one form of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. Molding comprising a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied and comprising thin steel laminations nesting one within the other and havin laminated base portions and laminated flange portions at the opposite edges of the base portions and projecting away from one side of the latter, the flange laminations being resilient and slidable one on the other, and a cover strip covering the base and having inwardly directed edges cooperating with said flanges for retaining the cover on the base, the laterally outer flange laminations having portions adjacent to and converging towards the base portions and which are adapted to be retainingly contacted by the edges of the cover and also having outer portions converging outwardly away from the base to provide inclined lead in surfaces for facilitating snap-on application of the cover.

2. Molding comprising a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied and comprising thin steel laminations nesting one within the other and having laminated base portions and laminated flange portions at the opposite edges of the base portions and projecting away from one side of the latter, and a thin steel cover strip covering the base and having inwardly directed edges cooperating with said flanges for retaining the cover on the base, the laterally outer flange at each side of the base being reversely folded towards the laterally outer side and the free edges of the reversely folded portions being disposed for engagement with the edges of the cover to prevent removal of the latter.

3. Molding comprising a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied and comprising thin steel laminations nesting one within the other and having laminated base portions and laminated flange portions at the opposite edges of the base portions and projecting away from one side of the latter, and a cover strip covering the base and having inwardly directed edges cooperating with said flanges for retaining the cover on the base, the laterally inner flange at each side of the base being reversely folded towards the laterally outer side in embracing relation to an adjacent flange and the free edges of the reversely folded portions being disposed for engagement with the edges of the cover to prevent removal of the latter.

4. Molding comprising a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied and having flange portions at its opposite edges projecting away from one side of the base, and a cover strip covering the base and to be applied, flanges at opposite edges of the base and having portions adjacent the latter projecting away from one side of the latter in diverging relation, each having its outer portion reversely folded laterally outward upon itself to provide an abutment on the laterally outer side of each flange and a cover strip covering the base and flanges and having its edges engaging said diverging parts of the flanges for normally retaining the cover substantially against the article, said abutments being adapted to engage the edges of the cover and prevent removal of the latter.

7. In a molding, a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied, flanges at opposite edges of the base and projecting away from one side of the latter first in diverging relation and then being bent or directed in inclined converging relation, the outer portion of the flange being reversely folded laterally outward upon itself to provide an abutment adjacent the bend in the flange, and a cover strip covering the base and flanges and having inturned edges engaging the outer sides of said diverging parts of the flanges under said abutments so that the latter prevent removal of the cover.

8. In a molding, a base member having flanges at its edges directed away from one side of the base, said flanges having inner first portions adjacent the base adapted to engage the edges of a cover element and having second portions outhavin edge portions cooperating with said flanges for retaining the cover on the base, the flange portion at each side being reversely folded upon itself in such manner as to provide an abutment at the laterally outer side of each flange for engagement with an edge of the cover to prevent removal of the latter.

5. Molding comprising a base member having flanges at its edges directed away from one side of the base, said flanges having inner first portions adjacent the base directed towards the latter in converging relation and having second portions outwardly of the first portions which are directed inoutwardly converging relation so that edges of a cover strip may be spread laterally by pressing such edges toward the base and wardly of the first portions which are directed in outwardly converging relation so that edges of the cover may be spread laterally by pressing such edges toward the base and over said second portions and then allowed to engage the first portions, the second portion of each flange including a reversely folded wall folded towards the laterally outer side of the flange to provide an abutment to prevent removal of the cover.

9. Molding comprising a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied and comprising thin steel laminations nesting one within the other and having laminated base portions and laminated flange portions at the opposite edges of the base portions and projecting away from one side of the latter, the flange laminations being resilient and slidable one on the other, and a cover strip covering the base and having inwardly directed edges cooperating with said flanges for retaining the cover on the base, the flanges having outer parts converging outwardly away from the base to provide inclined lead in surfaces for facilitating snap-on application of the cover and having shoulder portions inwardly of the lead in surfaces adapted to retainingly engage the edges of the cover.

10. In combination, a support, a base fastened to the support. flanges at opposite edges of the base projecting away from one side of the latter and each flange having its outer, portion reversely folded laterally outward upon itself to provide an abutment on the laterally outer side of the flange, such outer portions of the flanges being directed outwardly from the base in inclined, converging directions to provide lead in surfaces to facilitate snap on application of a cover, and a cover strip covering the base and flanges and having inturned edges engaging the support and flanges under the abutments.

11. In combination, a support, a base fastened to the support, flanges at opposite edges of the base and projecting away from one side-of the latter first in diverging relation and then being bent or directed in converging relation, the outer converging part of each flange being reversely folded latterly outward upon itself and terminating adjacent the bend to provide an abutment, and a cover strip covering the base and flanges and having inturned edges engaging the support and said diverging portions of the flanges between the abutments and the support.

12. Molding comprising a base adapted to be fastened to an article upon which the molding is to be applied and comprising thin steel laminations nesting one within the other and having laminated base portions and laminated flange portions at the opposite edges of the base portions and projecting away from one side of the latter, the flange on the inner lamination at each edge of the base being reversely folded in embracing relation to the flange on the outer lamination with the free edge of the folded part providing an abutment, and a cover on the base having inwardly directed edges engaging the flanges under the abutments so as to be held against removal by the latter.

ORLEY J. CROWE.

WILLIAM J. HALL. 

